Maine Agriculture & Natural Resources Education

If considering all services and production related to the food and fiber industry, agriculture constitutes nearly 20 percent of the national economy including more than $1 billion in Maine each year. Despite the industry’s importance, including new, expanding fields such as biotechnology, agricultural issues and opportunities are often neglected. The Maine Department of Education strives to better foster understanding of agriculture among students of all ages and adult citizens.

Agriculture is an important component of Maine's history and culture, and can serve as an excellent hands-on learning tool for virtually all subject areas. Agriculture & Natural Resources Education may be accomplished at many secondary Career & Technical Education schools, in informal settings or at any K-12 school in conjunction with attainment of Maine’s academic standards. At the middle and secondary levels, students studying areas related to agriculture and natural resources may qualify for membership and opportunities in the Maine FFA Association.